Wow! It has been a while since we've talked, and I'd love to hear all of your updates! School is sort of eating my life right now - which you probably know from Facebook. But! Thanksgiving break has been a very very wonderful thing. I'm now on my fourth draft of one paper, third of another, and I'm very close to being ready to present both! It feels so much better than it did a month ago when I was panicking that I wouldn't have anything to say. Now it's just surviving the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break and that's the easy part!
Anyway, the family and I went to see Big Hero 6 yesterday and it was cute. I'm very excited for lots of upcoming movies so I hope they'll still be around when school is out.
Cassie and I are very crazy and have been working on editing our novel through all of this. That is definitely something I'm thankful for, because it has given me an excuse to take a break more than once (okay, more than LOTS), and it has provided a very good distraction. If we haven't sent you a copy to read, and you want to read it, let us know! We're always looking for more feedback! (Actually, I should probably check that with Cass first, but I'm sort of assuming it's okay?)
As for things I'm thankful for, I'm thankful this crazy semester is almost over, and that I'm almost halfway through this ridiculous program. I'm thankful for everyone who has helped me get through it, because this semester has been particularly hard, mentally and emotionally. I'm thankful that we've all kept in touch so well, and that I got to see ALL of you for the first time in four years.
And speaking of Thanksgiving, I know it isn't practical, because we all have our own traditions, but how much fun would it be to have a friends Thanksgiving? Turkey and stuffing and fancy dinner around a huge table (got to fit in those of you with significant others and all) and just having a really fun time! We seriously need to get together more often, and when all of us are less busy!
I love and miss you all!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Long time, no post!
Hey guys! So, it's been a while, and I have no idea whose turn it is, but I have a "vacation" and two three four papers to procrastinate, so why don't I start us up again. Anybody wanna guess what I want you to talk about?
Yep, it's Thanksgiving week. Let's be thankful again. And give updates, because it has been a while. Just to make sure you're all alive and all :)
Yep, it's Thanksgiving week. Let's be thankful again. And give updates, because it has been a while. Just to make sure you're all alive and all :)
Friday, September 19, 2014
Time for a Check Up!
So, we're all super busy, I know, so I'd like to check in, I think.
How's life? What's going on? How are you doing?
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Tak and the Power of Juju
This was actually a really difficult thing for me to decide. Seriously, I was getting nervous that I wasn't going to be able to post at all...
But I finally decided on Tak and the Power of Juju. This is a Playstation 2 game, and it takes place in an ancient world without technology. The pupanunu people worship the moon goddess, whose power is contained within three magic moonstones housed in the hut of the head shaman. Tlaloc, an evil shaman who was passed over for head shaman, decides to take his revenge and steal the moonstones so he can destroy (or control, I forget which) the moon goddess and her power. Prophecies foretold of these happenings, and of the one that would save them: a warrior trained in battle that will relieve Tlaloc of the moonstones and save everyone.
There's just one problem: the mighty warrior, along with everyone else in the tribe (save the head shaman and you/Tak) have been turned into sheep. Needless to say, that's not supposed to happen. The mighty warrior is supposed to be immune from livestock transformations, so right from the start, the player knows something isn't right here.
Yeah, this game has humor out the wazoo, and it's really creative the way it's set up. Along with the moon goddess, the tribe worship Juju: spirits with special abilities. At the very beginning of the game, the head shaman is trying to conjure one, and then spots the player in a "magic box" with a strange stick in his/her hand (lol!). The player is a Juju, basically, and is called upon to help Tak save the tribe and defeat Tlaloc. Eventually, it's revealed that Tak is, in fact, the mighty warrior of prophecy, not the oaf that the head shaman trained.
But screw that! I want to be there in place of Tak! The adventure is really cool, and the world is gorgeous. The graphics aren't great, but the colors are stellar, and the characters Tak meets along the way are both hilarious and awesome. There's one island where the people worship chickens (yeah...they do), there are helpful animals all over the place, and some of the magical abilities that Tak acquires throughout the game are really cool. Tak also gets to talk to the dead a couple times, and lead some mummies through their domain so he can open up a gate into the spirit realm. I actually haven't beaten this game yet (Tlaloc's an asshole), but maybe if *I* were in there instead of Tak, I would do a better job =P
But I finally decided on Tak and the Power of Juju. This is a Playstation 2 game, and it takes place in an ancient world without technology. The pupanunu people worship the moon goddess, whose power is contained within three magic moonstones housed in the hut of the head shaman. Tlaloc, an evil shaman who was passed over for head shaman, decides to take his revenge and steal the moonstones so he can destroy (or control, I forget which) the moon goddess and her power. Prophecies foretold of these happenings, and of the one that would save them: a warrior trained in battle that will relieve Tlaloc of the moonstones and save everyone.
There's just one problem: the mighty warrior, along with everyone else in the tribe (save the head shaman and you/Tak) have been turned into sheep. Needless to say, that's not supposed to happen. The mighty warrior is supposed to be immune from livestock transformations, so right from the start, the player knows something isn't right here.
Yeah, this game has humor out the wazoo, and it's really creative the way it's set up. Along with the moon goddess, the tribe worship Juju: spirits with special abilities. At the very beginning of the game, the head shaman is trying to conjure one, and then spots the player in a "magic box" with a strange stick in his/her hand (lol!). The player is a Juju, basically, and is called upon to help Tak save the tribe and defeat Tlaloc. Eventually, it's revealed that Tak is, in fact, the mighty warrior of prophecy, not the oaf that the head shaman trained.
But screw that! I want to be there in place of Tak! The adventure is really cool, and the world is gorgeous. The graphics aren't great, but the colors are stellar, and the characters Tak meets along the way are both hilarious and awesome. There's one island where the people worship chickens (yeah...they do), there are helpful animals all over the place, and some of the magical abilities that Tak acquires throughout the game are really cool. Tak also gets to talk to the dead a couple times, and lead some mummies through their domain so he can open up a gate into the spirit realm. I actually haven't beaten this game yet (Tlaloc's an asshole), but maybe if *I* were in there instead of Tak, I would do a better job =P
Video Games!
Yes, yes, the topic is a day late. So sue me...
Okay, so I know that most of us play video games (with the exception of Cassie), so I want your input on this. When I was a kid, I would always wonder what it would be like to be sucked into my favorite games and play them out live instead of with a silly controller. I mean, how awesome would it be to be able to literally walk up to Donald and Goofy in Kingdom Hearts or race alongside the other characters in Mario Kart? So here's the topic: if you could live inside a video game - play through it live instead of sitting outside it on the couch - which would you prefer and why? Tell us what your favorite sections of the game would be, how the world is different from our own, and what sort of abilities your game self would have.
Okay, so I know that most of us play video games (with the exception of Cassie), so I want your input on this. When I was a kid, I would always wonder what it would be like to be sucked into my favorite games and play them out live instead of with a silly controller. I mean, how awesome would it be to be able to literally walk up to Donald and Goofy in Kingdom Hearts or race alongside the other characters in Mario Kart? So here's the topic: if you could live inside a video game - play through it live instead of sitting outside it on the couch - which would you prefer and why? Tell us what your favorite sections of the game would be, how the world is different from our own, and what sort of abilities your game self would have.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Grandpa's Tree
And no, I'm not copying Cassie. I do have a favorite tree, but it's not a particular type. It is literally a particular tree in a specific place in the world.
My grandfather lived in the same neighborhood as my elementary school. He, my grandmother, and my uncle cared for my sister and me after school every day, up until Grandma and Grandpa's deaths. In the backyard of their house, there was a swing set. It was a simple, unassuming thing - just two swings on a hardy frame that my sister and I spent a lot of time enjoying. Grandpa would adjust the height of the swing as we grew so that our feet wouldn't hit the ground too much when we swung back down. I remember how the ground was dug out underneath each swing from our feet, and the retaining wall running along the right side, made of slabs of stone. I remember, once, my uncle found a bumblebee meandering along that wall, and she had a smaller bumblebee on her back. I still can't believe that I wanted to squish them. Then there was a really large shrub behind the swings, at the end of the wall, that we never went near, though I don't remember why. I miss those swings...
Anyway, to the left of the swing set, there was a bar that my sister and I used to practice our gymnastics (you know, when we were still small enough to use it; it wasn't very far off the ground). Further left, about ten feet from that bar, were two trees, growing behind the garage. I have no idea what kind they are, but Grandpa always claimed that he had them specifically planted in his backyard for my sister and me. Now, my grandfather made up a lot of stories (I cannot even begin to list all the things he did in the armed forces during World War II), but I believed this one wholeheartedly when I was a child, and I'd like to continue believing it. I guess some evidence to the truth of the story could be that one tree was always taller than the other, though whether it was three years taller (because I'm three years older than my sister), I have no idea.
But this tree is easily my favorite in the whole world. I don't care if Grandpa put it there specifically for me in his backyard. The point is that it was my tree, and to be honest, I never realized how much I missed it until I started writing this post. I don't even know if the tree is still there...
Sycamores and Simpson Garden
Tori posted a topic for us! Yay Tori! :) Good to see you around these parts, my friend!
So, trees, huh? I honestly hadn't really classified a favorite tree before being asked this question. I mean, I like the Christian symbolism of dogwoods, and I have fond memories of climbing an apple tree in Massachusetts and a giant fir tree in my front yard in Illinois, but unlike colors or books or moments involving Neville Longbottom, I never really had a favorite.
But then I started thinking about it, and one of my favorite scents has always been the scent of sycamore trees.
(Side note: Do you know how hard it is to have a favorite scent that is not widely known? Like, how do you describe it to someone else? If I say my favorite scent is roses or campfire smoke or baking bread, everyone knows what I mean. But if I say sycamore trees??? People say "What smell is that?" And it's not like a color or a sound -- I can't just show them or play a recording. And it took me forever to identify what produces the smell I love so much, but I did, and it is sycamore trees. And I'm very sorry I can't carry a vial of that scent with me so everyone can know exactly what I'm talking about, but that is the limitation of today. Maybe in the future. Side note done)
I love the smell of sycamore trees, and they're an interesting looking tree, too, so I'll go ahead and give sycamores the honor. :)
As for memories involving a plant, most of you know, I think, that my grandfather passed away about two years ago. (Side note: I can't believe it's been almost two years.) Well, last year, the family all pitched in to by him a memorial tree that was planted in Simpson Garden Park in Bowling Green. Grandma chose a blue spruce (I think -- I know it's a coniferous tree), so that it would look nice all year round, and there is a wonderful, wonderful plaque in Grandpa's memory. They planted it last year, back by the Japanese water garden (if any of you ever get the chance, go see it) because Simpson was one of Grandpa and Grandma's favorite places to go walking.
Simpson is also where Chase and I are holding our wedding reception, largely because of Grandma and Grandpa. So I know that we will be getting some of our wedding pictures done by Grandpa's tree. We had the chance to go visit when I was in town last, and I'm really glad that we're going to be able to have our reception there, that it's all official now.
So yeah. That's my bit. Hope to see us breathe some life back into this blog! :)
So, trees, huh? I honestly hadn't really classified a favorite tree before being asked this question. I mean, I like the Christian symbolism of dogwoods, and I have fond memories of climbing an apple tree in Massachusetts and a giant fir tree in my front yard in Illinois, but unlike colors or books or moments involving Neville Longbottom, I never really had a favorite.
But then I started thinking about it, and one of my favorite scents has always been the scent of sycamore trees.
(Side note: Do you know how hard it is to have a favorite scent that is not widely known? Like, how do you describe it to someone else? If I say my favorite scent is roses or campfire smoke or baking bread, everyone knows what I mean. But if I say sycamore trees??? People say "What smell is that?" And it's not like a color or a sound -- I can't just show them or play a recording. And it took me forever to identify what produces the smell I love so much, but I did, and it is sycamore trees. And I'm very sorry I can't carry a vial of that scent with me so everyone can know exactly what I'm talking about, but that is the limitation of today. Maybe in the future. Side note done)
I love the smell of sycamore trees, and they're an interesting looking tree, too, so I'll go ahead and give sycamores the honor. :)
As for memories involving a plant, most of you know, I think, that my grandfather passed away about two years ago. (Side note: I can't believe it's been almost two years.) Well, last year, the family all pitched in to by him a memorial tree that was planted in Simpson Garden Park in Bowling Green. Grandma chose a blue spruce (I think -- I know it's a coniferous tree), so that it would look nice all year round, and there is a wonderful, wonderful plaque in Grandpa's memory. They planted it last year, back by the Japanese water garden (if any of you ever get the chance, go see it) because Simpson was one of Grandpa and Grandma's favorite places to go walking.
Simpson is also where Chase and I are holding our wedding reception, largely because of Grandma and Grandpa. So I know that we will be getting some of our wedding pictures done by Grandpa's tree. We had the chance to go visit when I was in town last, and I'm really glad that we're going to be able to have our reception there, that it's all official now.
So yeah. That's my bit. Hope to see us breathe some life back into this blog! :)
I'm gonna go out on a limb
In fact, I've done it before and it was a fun and rewarding experience. But right now I'd like to know about your inner-arborist. What is your favorite tree? And what is a unique experience you've had involving a plant?
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I'M SO SORRY.
HI.
THANK YOU FOR NOT DELETING ME OUT OF YOUR LIVES.
I realize this is out of order and I realize that I've been pretty sucky with keeping up with you and I'm so sorry I didn't get to talk to y'all when you were all together!
But I would like to tell you all that I do love you very much.
Like, a lot. Like, oodles. Like an elephant couldn't trumpet loud enough to express my love and appreciation for you all.
THANK YOU FOR NOT DELETING ME OUT OF YOUR LIVES.
I realize this is out of order and I realize that I've been pretty sucky with keeping up with you and I'm so sorry I didn't get to talk to y'all when you were all together!
But I would like to tell you all that I do love you very much.
Like, a lot. Like, oodles. Like an elephant couldn't trumpet loud enough to express my love and appreciation for you all.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Let's GO somewhere!
OMG it's Saturday and I'm already typing up my post - look at me being productive! (aka, HOLY CRAP librarianship articles are super-dry and I have to read five and a half more in the next few weeks, please, oh, PLEASE give me something else to do!)
A lot of my bucket list involves travel. For starters, I would like to set foot in every one of the fifty states (and stopping for gas and a bathroom on my way through doesn't count). Current estimate is somewhere around half. Then, I would also like to set foot on 6 of the 7 continents, Antarctica not being particularly appealing to me. If I manage to miss them while doing the continents, I would like to be sure to go to Japan, India, New Zealand, Egypt, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia (and possibly Iceland), Northern Canada, Southern France, somewhere in the tropics, and the very tip of South America. And, of course, I would like to go to Harry Potter World, asap. I'm looking into maybe making it in the next year, I hope. Oh, and I want to go on a cruise, preferably an Alaskan one! I'd love to do a spontaneous road trip too, but I'm too much of a planner to really, you know, do it. So basically, if I ever settle down, he'd better like to travel!
Of course, I would also like to live abroad for a while, but I can see that not happening, because it will depend on the kind of job I can get, and if it doesn't happen before I meet someone, well, I can't very well ask them to pick up everything and move thousands of miles away from everyone they know just because I've always dreamed of living somewhere else.
I would like to publish something fictional, but will probably do so under a pen-name so the academic world doesn't look at me like I expressed a love for eating slugs.
I would like the six of us to all go on a vacation getaway together, because wouldn't that be fun! Especially if we went to Harry Potter World! Or a resort somewhere in the tropics!
I would like to meet a celebrity, but not in the disgusting fangirl way, in the "accidentally run into someone you really admire and be able to tell them so" way that never happens.
I would like to attend a Nerd conference, but probably not Comic-con, because that would be too many people, and not enough events that I'd like. Possibly Leaky Con or Book Expo America? Maybe that's still too big, but BEA sounds awesome, so I'd put up with it. AND I want a chance to cosplay. Katie and I were talking about how we should do Emma and Regina, because our hair is right (only mine isn't quite anymore - 8 inches came off on Thursday!)
And the boring stuff: I would like to find a job that I love, someone to settle down with, and have a little cottage with an entire room devoted to a library, in the mountains somewhere with a cat.
A lot of my bucket list involves travel. For starters, I would like to set foot in every one of the fifty states (and stopping for gas and a bathroom on my way through doesn't count). Current estimate is somewhere around half. Then, I would also like to set foot on 6 of the 7 continents, Antarctica not being particularly appealing to me. If I manage to miss them while doing the continents, I would like to be sure to go to Japan, India, New Zealand, Egypt, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia (and possibly Iceland), Northern Canada, Southern France, somewhere in the tropics, and the very tip of South America. And, of course, I would like to go to Harry Potter World, asap. I'm looking into maybe making it in the next year, I hope. Oh, and I want to go on a cruise, preferably an Alaskan one! I'd love to do a spontaneous road trip too, but I'm too much of a planner to really, you know, do it. So basically, if I ever settle down, he'd better like to travel!
Of course, I would also like to live abroad for a while, but I can see that not happening, because it will depend on the kind of job I can get, and if it doesn't happen before I meet someone, well, I can't very well ask them to pick up everything and move thousands of miles away from everyone they know just because I've always dreamed of living somewhere else.
I would like to publish something fictional, but will probably do so under a pen-name so the academic world doesn't look at me like I expressed a love for eating slugs.
I would like the six of us to all go on a vacation getaway together, because wouldn't that be fun! Especially if we went to Harry Potter World! Or a resort somewhere in the tropics!
I would like to meet a celebrity, but not in the disgusting fangirl way, in the "accidentally run into someone you really admire and be able to tell them so" way that never happens.
I would like to attend a Nerd conference, but probably not Comic-con, because that would be too many people, and not enough events that I'd like. Possibly Leaky Con or Book Expo America? Maybe that's still too big, but BEA sounds awesome, so I'd put up with it. AND I want a chance to cosplay. Katie and I were talking about how we should do Emma and Regina, because our hair is right (only mine isn't quite anymore - 8 inches came off on Thursday!)
And the boring stuff: I would like to find a job that I love, someone to settle down with, and have a little cottage with an entire room devoted to a library, in the mountains somewhere with a cat.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Bucket List
I have actually given my "Bucket List" a lot of thought. Most people (or, the ones that like to talk about their bucket lists) put daredevil things like skydiving or hang-gliding on theirs, but given my fear of heights and general anxiety about dangerous situations, those experiences legitimately do not intrigue me. I guess it would be cool to go parasailing over the ocean, though.
Not that there aren't *any* dangerous things on my Bucket List. There is definitely one thing that I want to do someday that most people would (and do) look at me like I'm an escapee from an insane asylum for wanting: I want to swim with sharks. And not just the bottom-dwelling nurse sharks that hardly ever attack humans. Those species are cool, but come on now, those aren't *sharks*! I want to swim with Great Whites in their natural habitat. I would be in one of those cages, granted, but still. To see Great Whites in the wild is my ultimate dream.
I also want to take a couple of trips. The first (and probably most exciting for most of you to read about) is a week-long trip to Florida to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And yes, I want the entire week to be devoted to that single attraction. The other parks are great, but it's WWHP that I really want to take my time through and see in its entirety, and if it takes an entire week to do it, so be it =)
I also want to see the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in America. I know, surprise surprise, right?
A European tour is also on my list, though it's more like an English Isles tour. I would prefer to stay out of places that don't speak English. Mom really wants to see Italy, so I would be more than happy to go there with her, but I am more attracted to England, Scotland, and Ireland. In particular, I want to be sitting in a pub during and England v. New Zealand rugby game (the only sport I'll tolerate), and I want to see a particular rock formation in Ireland. This being a public blog, however, I will keep this destination under wraps for privacy reasons. I really just want to explore the Isles and see the pretty scenery and bustling cities.
There are also a lot of shows I want to see. I want to see a Broadway musical, ideally Wicked or Hairspray (though I know that means actually going to New York City, which scares the living daylights out of me), I want to see a comedian live (Jeff Dunham, Ron White, Bill Engvall just to name a few), and I want to attend a metal concert of one of my favorite bands. Ideally it would be Nightwish, but they usually only tour Europe, so that might get tricky. Oh, and Celtic Woman. I really want to see Celtic Woman live.
I want to be "read" by a psychic at some point too. I know most of them are frauds, but it would be cool to see if I could find someone legit. I believe in the skill, I just don't believe that most of the people who claim it are telling the truth.
Falling in love would be nice, too...
Most would see my Bucket List as pretty boring, but again, I'm the opposite of the daredevil type, so one isn't going to find anything overly dangerous on it (with the exception of the whole shark thing). But that's it. You now know some of my life goals =)
Bucket Lists
Have we done Bucket Lists yet? Let's do Bucket Lists.
Where do you want to go, what do you want to accomplish, what do you want to see before the end of your life?
Where do you want to go, what do you want to accomplish, what do you want to see before the end of your life?
Thursday, July 17, 2014
I don't care either
This is me NOT CARING about anything LeBron does with his life. I have much more important things to care about. Like articles that aren't getting written because I'm caring too much about putting my characters into situations that they will be unhappy about. And the fact that August is approaching like a brick wall at the speed of light, and I'm slightly worried that I'm gonna go splat.
Friday, July 11, 2014
I Don't Care
So Anne took my post last week, so I'm taking Maggie's week this week, and Maggie can have next week, and so on.
But yes, for a topic:
I cannot possibly express how much I don't care about Lebron James and his return to Cleveland. That is all.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Okay, first things first, JK Rowling just published MAJOR new info over on Pottermore, and we should talk about it, like, ASAP, so I can complain about how much she's screwing with my next gen headcanons, but that's not today's topic, so. Here are today's questions.
We've been doing this off and on for a whole year now! (Okay a year and two months. Another birthday we kind of missed.) What has changed for you in that year? Do you like how this project is going? Is there anything you would change?
I like how this has been going, honestly. Yes, there are weeks we all disappear, yes some of us disappear longer than others, but personally, I feel like this is a pretty low pressure project. Like, if we miss a few weeks, I don't feel like anyone takes it as an insult. We are very understanding of the idea that everyone is super busy, and sometimes blog posting falls by the wayside.
As for how I've changed in that time, well, I finally got up my courage and moved out of Bowling Green. And I know now that I can be successful somewhere else. I have what it takes to make it. But I do miss Ohio and my family and all of you. I've learned a lot from the job I'm holding now, especially that I'm not cut out for it long-term, but also a lot about where my strengths and passions really are.
It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
I like to swim, and I like to travel.
We've been doing this off and on for a whole year now! (Okay a year and two months. Another birthday we kind of missed.) What has changed for you in that year? Do you like how this project is going? Is there anything you would change?
I like how this has been going, honestly. Yes, there are weeks we all disappear, yes some of us disappear longer than others, but personally, I feel like this is a pretty low pressure project. Like, if we miss a few weeks, I don't feel like anyone takes it as an insult. We are very understanding of the idea that everyone is super busy, and sometimes blog posting falls by the wayside.
As for how I've changed in that time, well, I finally got up my courage and moved out of Bowling Green. And I know now that I can be successful somewhere else. I have what it takes to make it. But I do miss Ohio and my family and all of you. I've learned a lot from the job I'm holding now, especially that I'm not cut out for it long-term, but also a lot about where my strengths and passions really are.
It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
I like to swim, and I like to travel.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
New Jobs and Swimming Pools
Option 1: We've been doing this off and on for a whole year now! (Okay a year and two months. Another birthday we kind of missed.) What has changed for you in that year? Do you like how this project is going? Is there anything you would change?
I positively love this project. Granted, we've all missed out on topics and postings, but overall, I think it's been pretty successful. What I would change, however, is more contact with each other outside of the blog. We kicked around the idea this past weekend of doing a Google chat (or whatever it's called) once a month or something, and I love that idea. If someone shows or tells me how it would work, I am totally down for it. Especially if we do a book club type of thing.
A lot has changed for me during the past year or so. Loving and losing, for one, but I won't discuss that here. Larger, more positive changes start with me getting my paralegal degree. I truly enjoyed paralegal school at Lakeland, and I'm thinking about getting in touch with a couple of my old instructors and asking if they need someone to speak about how the program actually does work. When I was there, there were complaints from the students that the program was essentially useless. Thoughts on that idea?
Without that additional education, time-consuming as it was, I wouldn't be working today. The Clerk of Courts called me out of the blue from viewing my resume online at Lakeland's website, and now I have a full-time job doing something that uses both my criminal justice and paralegal concentrations. The job is difficult - I will probably be in training for about six months - but it has the potential to be fulfilling not only in the short run but also in the long run.
Because, let's face it, judges don't last forever. There are only a certain number of terms that a judge can serve in Ohio before they age out. The judge has...two?...more years of her current four-year term left, and then if she gets re-elected at the end of her term, she'll have another four years to go. Usually, when new judges are elected, the first thing they do is throw their weight around and initiate a new regime. Once a new judge is elected, all employees should essentially be worried about keeping their job. However, the judge has told me before that if someone develops a good reputation in this area, finding something else shouldn't be a problem.
Option 2: It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
My favorite summer pastime, hands-down, is swimming. When my little sister and I were children, we were babysat by our grandparents every day. We would walk to the local community pool by ourselves (only about half a block) and swim all afternoon. I don't know what it is about being in the water, whether it's the weightlessness or the feeling of freedom, but I have always loved to swim. It's also an awesome workout, and if there was a cheap way to do it around here, I totally would.
-----------------------------------------------------
I had an awesome weekend with all of you. I love and miss you guys, and I hope everyone had / has safe travels home.
<3
I positively love this project. Granted, we've all missed out on topics and postings, but overall, I think it's been pretty successful. What I would change, however, is more contact with each other outside of the blog. We kicked around the idea this past weekend of doing a Google chat (or whatever it's called) once a month or something, and I love that idea. If someone shows or tells me how it would work, I am totally down for it. Especially if we do a book club type of thing.
A lot has changed for me during the past year or so. Loving and losing, for one, but I won't discuss that here. Larger, more positive changes start with me getting my paralegal degree. I truly enjoyed paralegal school at Lakeland, and I'm thinking about getting in touch with a couple of my old instructors and asking if they need someone to speak about how the program actually does work. When I was there, there were complaints from the students that the program was essentially useless. Thoughts on that idea?
Without that additional education, time-consuming as it was, I wouldn't be working today. The Clerk of Courts called me out of the blue from viewing my resume online at Lakeland's website, and now I have a full-time job doing something that uses both my criminal justice and paralegal concentrations. The job is difficult - I will probably be in training for about six months - but it has the potential to be fulfilling not only in the short run but also in the long run.
Because, let's face it, judges don't last forever. There are only a certain number of terms that a judge can serve in Ohio before they age out. The judge has...two?...more years of her current four-year term left, and then if she gets re-elected at the end of her term, she'll have another four years to go. Usually, when new judges are elected, the first thing they do is throw their weight around and initiate a new regime. Once a new judge is elected, all employees should essentially be worried about keeping their job. However, the judge has told me before that if someone develops a good reputation in this area, finding something else shouldn't be a problem.
Option 2: It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
My favorite summer pastime, hands-down, is swimming. When my little sister and I were children, we were babysat by our grandparents every day. We would walk to the local community pool by ourselves (only about half a block) and swim all afternoon. I don't know what it is about being in the water, whether it's the weightlessness or the feeling of freedom, but I have always loved to swim. It's also an awesome workout, and if there was a cheap way to do it around here, I totally would.
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I had an awesome weekend with all of you. I love and miss you guys, and I hope everyone had / has safe travels home.
<3
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy Birthdays!
Hey ladies! We've all been missing for almost a MONTH! Can you believe it?
Firstly, we need to get some business out of the way - we had a birthday to celebrate yesterday! Yay for Cassie! And, our country's birthday is today! WOOHOO! [enough exclamation points yet?!]
And, since it's Friday and I'm posting anyway, I'mma assign ya'll a topic. You have two options, and you can address one or both. Eventually, it'd be nice if everyone voiced an opinion on option 1, but you don't necessarily have to do it in public.
Option 1: We've been doing this off and on for a whole year now! (Okay a year and two months. Another birthday we kind of missed.) What has changed for you in that year? Do you like how this project is going? Is there anything you would change?
Option 2: It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
Firstly, we need to get some business out of the way - we had a birthday to celebrate yesterday! Yay for Cassie! And, our country's birthday is today! WOOHOO! [enough exclamation points yet?!]
And, since it's Friday and I'm posting anyway, I'mma assign ya'll a topic. You have two options, and you can address one or both. Eventually, it'd be nice if everyone voiced an opinion on option 1, but you don't necessarily have to do it in public.
Option 1: We've been doing this off and on for a whole year now! (Okay a year and two months. Another birthday we kind of missed.) What has changed for you in that year? Do you like how this project is going? Is there anything you would change?
Option 2: It's summer! Woohoo! What is your favorite summer pastime, and why?
Monday, June 9, 2014
Not quite a stranger
Hey Zoe.
Your project sounds all kinds of fascinating, and I totally want to hear all about the final product. I hope you don't mind me writing to you, but Jimmy's my ride home, he's not done with his homework yet, and as my no-good, lousy Peace Corp brother has been to busy to write me lately, I don't have anything else to do.
And hey. You know, I might qualify as a stranger. (This is Caela Worthen, BTW) I mean, we've gone to school together for, what 11 years, but I would call us no more than acquaintances. So, maybe you can use this letter for something? I dunno. Just passing the time. Also, like I said, super interested.
So! Questions!
1. What is your name? Caela Worthen. Yes, I know that's an unusual spelling. My mother, for some reason, felt like she had to give her children normal (ish -- I mean, my brother's name is Rhyder, and Rider isn't that common, I guess) names with strange spellings. My little sister? Is Emmaleigh.
2. What is your quest? Passing English 12.
3. Were you expecting this question to be about the air speed velocity of pigeons? You mean swallows, I think? And no, I was expecting "What is your favorite color?" It is green, if you wondered.
4. What is your Myers-Briggs personality type? Yeah, Jimmy was telling me about this. You took the quiz in your Soc class, yeah? I don't know off the top of my head, because I don't know that much about it, but a quick consult with Jimmy identifies me (according to him) as ISTP. So, that.
5. When was the last time you read your horoscope? Yeah, I don't do that.
6. How do you feel about unicorns? Not nearly as strongly as I did when I was eight. Which is probably true for most teenage girls, I think.
7. Describe your best friend in ten words. Skinny Jewish boy, likes to pretend to be other people.
8. What is your opinion of the Oxford Comma? The what now?
9. Where did you find this letter? Cuppa Joe's.
10. Do you want me to reply? Sure? I mean, spend more time on your actual people or whatever, but respond if you like. :)
Your project sounds all kinds of fascinating, and I totally want to hear all about the final product. I hope you don't mind me writing to you, but Jimmy's my ride home, he's not done with his homework yet, and as my no-good, lousy Peace Corp brother has been to busy to write me lately, I don't have anything else to do.
And hey. You know, I might qualify as a stranger. (This is Caela Worthen, BTW) I mean, we've gone to school together for, what 11 years, but I would call us no more than acquaintances. So, maybe you can use this letter for something? I dunno. Just passing the time. Also, like I said, super interested.
So! Questions!
1. What is your name? Caela Worthen. Yes, I know that's an unusual spelling. My mother, for some reason, felt like she had to give her children normal (ish -- I mean, my brother's name is Rhyder, and Rider isn't that common, I guess) names with strange spellings. My little sister? Is Emmaleigh.
2. What is your quest? Passing English 12.
3. Were you expecting this question to be about the air speed velocity of pigeons? You mean swallows, I think? And no, I was expecting "What is your favorite color?" It is green, if you wondered.
4. What is your Myers-Briggs personality type? Yeah, Jimmy was telling me about this. You took the quiz in your Soc class, yeah? I don't know off the top of my head, because I don't know that much about it, but a quick consult with Jimmy identifies me (according to him) as ISTP. So, that.
5. When was the last time you read your horoscope? Yeah, I don't do that.
6. How do you feel about unicorns? Not nearly as strongly as I did when I was eight. Which is probably true for most teenage girls, I think.
7. Describe your best friend in ten words. Skinny Jewish boy, likes to pretend to be other people.
8. What is your opinion of the Oxford Comma? The what now?
9. Where did you find this letter? Cuppa Joe's.
10. Do you want me to reply? Sure? I mean, spend more time on your actual people or whatever, but respond if you like. :)
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Page 4
"Zoe,"
First of all, you seem far too advanced for a child as young as you claim to be. Your letter made me very nervous and suspicious because my daughter is your age (or, your alleged age) and at the top of her class, yet I am positive that she is not yet capable of the diction and syntax of which you are capable. Therefore, I’m choosing to end our correspondence here because I believe you to be some sort of criminal, fishing for a victim. You are not, certainly, a high school student. I do not believe there is a "project," at least not one of the nature you describe, and if I were you, I would be very, very careful of how I proceed. I have taken your original letter and replaced it with this one, and by the time you read this, you letter will have been thoroughly examined by me and my colleagues at the San Diego Detective Bureau.
Sincerely,
Detective-Sergeant Melody LeGrange (Badge #555)
San Diego Police Department
First of all, you seem far too advanced for a child as young as you claim to be. Your letter made me very nervous and suspicious because my daughter is your age (or, your alleged age) and at the top of her class, yet I am positive that she is not yet capable of the diction and syntax of which you are capable. Therefore, I’m choosing to end our correspondence here because I believe you to be some sort of criminal, fishing for a victim. You are not, certainly, a high school student. I do not believe there is a "project," at least not one of the nature you describe, and if I were you, I would be very, very careful of how I proceed. I have taken your original letter and replaced it with this one, and by the time you read this, you letter will have been thoroughly examined by me and my colleagues at the San Diego Detective Bureau.
Sincerely,
Detective-Sergeant Melody LeGrange (Badge #555)
San Diego Police Department
Creativity Jump Start
Well, since Anne went on about how good I am at posting topics, I feel a little bad that I didn't get one up yesterday, but in my defense, I got home from work and then immediately went on Date Night with Chase to see Emotional Devastation, The Movie sorry, The Fault in Our Stars. And it was absolutely amazing, and I came home with a headache from crying, and then Chase and I sat down to watch episode two of season three of Sherlock because it's finally on Netflix, but work and church haven't given us time to actually start watching it until Thursday. It is likewise amazing, and Sherlock is precious, and The Sign of Three might be my favorite episode that they've done.
But you want a topic. And it seems like a fair number of us want to jump in and write this summer, so I'm going to give you a writing prompt, and you can do whatever you like with it. Apologies to Anne, who has already, technically, fulfilled this prompt (but I am interested to see how you might choose to fill it again).
Imagine that you (or a character you create) are visiting an establishment of some sort in San Diego. And there, on a shelf or a table or stuck to the wall is a manila envelope with the words "READ ME!" written in highlighter on the front. Intrigued, you go to the envelope and pull out the following letter. How do you (or your character) respond? (Your post this week should be your response). Have fun!
September 29
Congratulations!
Like Alice when she fell down her rabbit hole, you have decided to follow the instructions written upon a random item, and have thus launched yourself upon An Adventure!
But don’t worry, I beg you. I can almost 100% guarantee that the results of reading a letter marked ‘Read Me’ will be far less confusing and trippy than eating a cookie marked ‘Eat Me.’ Nothing can be entirely guaranteed in this life, of course, but I swear that should you start to feel as if you’ve changed several times since this morning, and if that feeling should then unsettle you, you may inform me that I am nothing more than a pack of cards, and our time together can come to an end.
My name is Zoe, dear reader, and You have been invited (from my perspective in the future)/are being invited (from your perspective in your own personal present) to participate in a social experiment.
At this moment in time, two choices lie before you. If you want nothing more to do with me and my strangeness, you may fold this letter up and return it to the location whence you found it, its remaining pages unread. However, if your curiosity has been piqued, you may continue onto page 2. Another choice will then lie before you.
Page 2
Still with me? Excellent. I am thrilled to hear it.
As I said, you are a participant in a Social Experiment. Allow me to provide some details for you: I am seventeen, a junior in high school, and, most relevantly, a student in Mr. Zephran’s Sociology class, and he has instructed the 28 of us to develop and implement a Social Experiment.
Now, most of my classmates are going to stand backwards in elevators, and this kid in my class, Jimmy, will probably organize a flash mob a la Improv Everywhere, but I have this problem with making people uncomfortable. I really hate doing it. In fact, I will do almost anything in my power to help alleviate any discomfort being suffered by any person in my general vicinity. Do you see the problem? The majority of social experiments require making people uncomfortable.
So, I have developed an experiment that avoids that, or at least avoids my proximity to it.
(But seriously. If you’re uncomfortable, stop reading. I do honestly mean that.)
In seven strategic locations around the city of San Diego, I have placed these letters for strangers to find. If you’ve read this far, what happens next is up to you. You can take up the challenge and continue with the experiment, or you can not. If you accept the challenge, turn to page 3. If not, turn to page 4. In either case, thank you excessively for your time, and please. Have a fabulous day.
Zoe Ballard
Page 3
Taking up the challenge! I’m so excited! Or, just here to hear the challenge before you make up your mind? Fair enough. That makes a lot of sense, dear stranger. I like the way you think.
The Challenge:
Write me a letter. My name and address are on the back of this page. Don’t get excited – it’s a PO Box I took out for this purpose. I’m trusting you, stranger, but not that much. I have family to think about. But that’s it. My social experiment is as simple as that. Write a letter to a stranger. You know my name, my age, that I live in San Diego, and who my Sociology professor is. You also know I’m a little bit nuts. But I am, to you, a stranger. Are you willing to write a letter to a stranger? If so, answer the questions below. If not, see you on Page 4.
1. What is your name?
2. What is your quest?
3. Were you expecting this question to be about the air speed velocity of pigeons?
4. What is your Myers-Briggs personality type?
5. When was the last time you read your horoscope?
6. How do you feel about unicorns?
7. Describe your best friend in ten words.
8. What is your opinion of the Oxford Comma?
9. Where did you find this letter?
10. Do you want me to reply?
I look forward most genuinely to hearing from you!
Page 4
You have chosen not to participate in the challenge. I understand, honestly, I do. Please take one of the blank slips of paper in this envelope, fill in the blanks of the sentence printed below, replace the slip in the envelope, and go about your beautiful and happy life, dear stranger! And in case you are wondering, I will remove the envelope from this location in two weeks’ time, should you change your mind.
Zoe
Hey, Zoe. You seem ________________________________. Your letter made me ______________________________ because _______________________________. But I’m choosing to end our correspondence here because ________________________________________. I wish you and your project nothing but ______________________________________________!
Sincerely, _____________________________
But you want a topic. And it seems like a fair number of us want to jump in and write this summer, so I'm going to give you a writing prompt, and you can do whatever you like with it. Apologies to Anne, who has already, technically, fulfilled this prompt (but I am interested to see how you might choose to fill it again).
Imagine that you (or a character you create) are visiting an establishment of some sort in San Diego. And there, on a shelf or a table or stuck to the wall is a manila envelope with the words "READ ME!" written in highlighter on the front. Intrigued, you go to the envelope and pull out the following letter. How do you (or your character) respond? (Your post this week should be your response). Have fun!
September 29
Congratulations!
Like Alice when she fell down her rabbit hole, you have decided to follow the instructions written upon a random item, and have thus launched yourself upon An Adventure!
But don’t worry, I beg you. I can almost 100% guarantee that the results of reading a letter marked ‘Read Me’ will be far less confusing and trippy than eating a cookie marked ‘Eat Me.’ Nothing can be entirely guaranteed in this life, of course, but I swear that should you start to feel as if you’ve changed several times since this morning, and if that feeling should then unsettle you, you may inform me that I am nothing more than a pack of cards, and our time together can come to an end.
My name is Zoe, dear reader, and You have been invited (from my perspective in the future)/are being invited (from your perspective in your own personal present) to participate in a social experiment.
At this moment in time, two choices lie before you. If you want nothing more to do with me and my strangeness, you may fold this letter up and return it to the location whence you found it, its remaining pages unread. However, if your curiosity has been piqued, you may continue onto page 2. Another choice will then lie before you.
Page 2
Still with me? Excellent. I am thrilled to hear it.
As I said, you are a participant in a Social Experiment. Allow me to provide some details for you: I am seventeen, a junior in high school, and, most relevantly, a student in Mr. Zephran’s Sociology class, and he has instructed the 28 of us to develop and implement a Social Experiment.
Now, most of my classmates are going to stand backwards in elevators, and this kid in my class, Jimmy, will probably organize a flash mob a la Improv Everywhere, but I have this problem with making people uncomfortable. I really hate doing it. In fact, I will do almost anything in my power to help alleviate any discomfort being suffered by any person in my general vicinity. Do you see the problem? The majority of social experiments require making people uncomfortable.
So, I have developed an experiment that avoids that, or at least avoids my proximity to it.
(But seriously. If you’re uncomfortable, stop reading. I do honestly mean that.)
In seven strategic locations around the city of San Diego, I have placed these letters for strangers to find. If you’ve read this far, what happens next is up to you. You can take up the challenge and continue with the experiment, or you can not. If you accept the challenge, turn to page 3. If not, turn to page 4. In either case, thank you excessively for your time, and please. Have a fabulous day.
Zoe Ballard
Page 3
Taking up the challenge! I’m so excited! Or, just here to hear the challenge before you make up your mind? Fair enough. That makes a lot of sense, dear stranger. I like the way you think.
The Challenge:
Write me a letter. My name and address are on the back of this page. Don’t get excited – it’s a PO Box I took out for this purpose. I’m trusting you, stranger, but not that much. I have family to think about. But that’s it. My social experiment is as simple as that. Write a letter to a stranger. You know my name, my age, that I live in San Diego, and who my Sociology professor is. You also know I’m a little bit nuts. But I am, to you, a stranger. Are you willing to write a letter to a stranger? If so, answer the questions below. If not, see you on Page 4.
1. What is your name?
2. What is your quest?
3. Were you expecting this question to be about the air speed velocity of pigeons?
4. What is your Myers-Briggs personality type?
5. When was the last time you read your horoscope?
6. How do you feel about unicorns?
7. Describe your best friend in ten words.
8. What is your opinion of the Oxford Comma?
9. Where did you find this letter?
10. Do you want me to reply?
I look forward most genuinely to hearing from you!
Page 4
You have chosen not to participate in the challenge. I understand, honestly, I do. Please take one of the blank slips of paper in this envelope, fill in the blanks of the sentence printed below, replace the slip in the envelope, and go about your beautiful and happy life, dear stranger! And in case you are wondering, I will remove the envelope from this location in two weeks’ time, should you change your mind.
Zoe
Hey, Zoe. You seem ________________________________. Your letter made me ______________________________ because _______________________________. But I’m choosing to end our correspondence here because ________________________________________. I wish you and your project nothing but ______________________________________________!
Sincerely, _____________________________
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